Frequency of reading, math, and writing disabilities in children with clinical disorders

Learning disabilities (LD) are common in clinical disorders, but no study has compared the relative prevalence in referred children with different diagnoses. Our sample comprised 949 children (6 to 16 years). LD percentages were highest for bipolar disorder (79%), ADHD combined type (71%), autism (67%), ADHD inattentive type (66%), and spina bifida (60%). Children with oppositional-defiant disorder, adjustment disorder, anxiety, and depression had relatively low LD percentages (18-19%). LD in written expression was twice as common as LD in reading or math. Findings indicate that children with neurogenetic disorders should be assessed for possible LD because of the high potential yield and the need to intervene educationally if learning problems exist.